Plastic sheet product offering matte appearance and method of preparation

ABSTRACT

A plastic sheet product having a matte finish comprises a core layer of a thermoplastic polymer and at least one layer of a capstock composition which overlies, and is bonded to, at least one face of the core layer. The capstock composition comprises the same or different thermoplastic polymer and contains a plurality of discrete particles immiscible with and dispersed in the thermoplastic polymer of the capstock composition. The sheet product may be prepared by the co-extrusion of the thermoplastic polymer and the capstock composition, and in a particular embodiment, such co-extrusion may be conducted by means of a feedblock. In a particular embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer of the core layer and that of the capstock composition may be the same, such as in the instance of a methylmethacrylate-methylacrylate copolymer. Sheet products prepared in accordance with the invention exhibit improved post-processability and ease of surface maintenance, and may be fabricated into a variety of products including light diffusers, projection screens, and the like.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending non-provisional application Ser. No. 09/817,788, filed Mar. 26, 2001, which, in turn, is based upon Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/192,057 filed on Mar. 24, 2000. Applicants claim the benefits of 35 U.S.C. § 120 as to the said non-provisional application, and 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) as to the said provisional application, and the disclosures of both of said applications are incorporated herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a plastic sheet product exhibiting a matte appearance which comprises a core layer and at least one layer of a capstock composition which overlies and is bonded to at least one face of the core layer, where the capstock composition contains particulate inclusions that yield the desired appearance and that emulates frosted glass.

2. Description of Related Art

It is well known that plastic sheets with a matte finish can be manufactured using textured or embossing calendar rolls. However, such technology has several disadvantages such as frequent replacement of the rolls, limited predictability and consequent uniformity of the textural designs of the sheets produced, loss of the texture if the sheet is thermoformed, and the like.

It is also known to prepare a translucent screen comprising a dispersion of a transparent material in a matrix material in which the refractive index of the transparent material differs slightly from that of the matrix material—see U.S. Pat. No. 2,287,556 and published European Patent Application 0 464 499 A2. It is additionally known to coextrude a matrix layer and one or two layers of a capstock composition containing miscible particles of an impact modifier—see U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,737.

Among the shortcomings of the prior art, the sheet materials presently available offer inconsistencies in appearance and difficulty in preparation, as there are often unacceptable variations in the thickness of the matte layer. Also, in the instance where the finish is achieved by surface texturization, the products are more difficult to maintain and clean.

None of the known technology effectively addresses the shortcomings of the prior art with respect to the preparation and resultant quality of the matte appearance plastic sheeting, and it is toward the preparation of products that do not suffer from these shortcomings that the present invention is directed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A and 1B are pictures of an acrylic sheet with a textured cap layer (FIG. 1B) and a textured acrylic sheet produced from a standard manufacturing process (FIG. 1A) after four years of natural weathering in Florida in accordance with ASTM G 7 “Standard Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure Testing of Nonmetallic Materials”. The pictures demonstrate that an acrylic sheet with a textured cap layer contains less dirt and algae than the standard textured acrylic sheet. These pictures demonstrate that acrylic sheets with a textured cap layer are less porous and require less cleaning maintenance than standard textured acrylic sheets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has now been found that it is possible to inexpensively prepare a plastic sheet product that offers a matte appearance without the aforementioned drawbacks, which sheet product comprises a core layer of a thermoplastic polymer and at least one layer of a capstock composition which provides the matte appearance to the sheet product, and that overlies and is bonded to at least one face of the core layer. The capstock composition comprises a thermoplastic polymer which may be the same or different from the thermoplastic polymer employed for the core layer and will contain a plurality of discrete particles immiscible with, and dispersed in, the capstock thermoplastic polymer. The refractive index of the particles will differ from that of the capstock thermoplastic polymer.

Accordingly, in a first aspect of the invention, the sheets of the invention may be prepared with one or more capping layers, and can be prepared by co-extrusion, with a particular technique employing extrusion through a feed block system. Such parameters as the size and loading of immiscible particles in the capping layer, and the thickness of all layers, may vary within the ranges recited herein as within the scope of the invention, to achieve particular effects in the final manufactured products.

The products of the present invention exhibit a combination of improved properties, among them durability and cleanability, and are useful in a variety of applications where a matte or frosted appearance is desirable, among them, for light diffusers and lighting fixtures, privacy panels such as shower doors, retail displays, and projection screens.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of the present invention the core layer may consist of a transparent (which is preferred), translucent or opaque first thermoplastic polymer. Suitable examples of the first thermoplastic polymer include polyethylenes, polypropylenes, ethylene-propylene copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-methyl methylmethacrylate copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate-methyl methacrylate copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers, polystyrenes, styrene-methylmethacrylate copolymers, polyethyl acrylates, polymethyl-methacrylates, methylmethacrylate-methylacrylate copolymers, polyethylene terephthalates, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, silicone resins and the like. In the instance where the polymer is an acrylic, the first thermoplastic polymer will typically have a weight average molecular weight of about 100,000 to about 175,000, preferably 125,000 to 150,000.

Preferably, the first thermoplastic polymer comprises a methyl methacrylate-methyl acrylate copolymer wherein the methyl methacrylate is present in the amount of about 80 to about 98 wt. %, preferably 93 to 97 wt. %, and even more preferably 94 to 96 wt. %. The methyl acrylate is present in the amount of about 2 to about 20 wt. %, preferably 3 to 7 wt. %, and even more preferable about 4 to about 6%. The methyl methacrylate-methyl acrylate copolymer may have a melt index of about 1.5 to 5, or 2.0 to 4.0, or even 2.1 to 2.5.

At least one capstock layer may be included with the core layer and will overly and will be bonded to at least one face of the core layer. Thus, the plastic sheet product of the invention may have one capstock layer overlying and bonded to one face of the core layer or it may have two capstock layers with each layer overlying and bonded to each face of the core layer.

The capstock layer composition comprises a second thermoplastic polymer containing a plurality of discrete particles immiscible with, and dispersed in, the polymer. The refractive index of the particles will differ from the refractive index of the second thermoplastic polymer. The second thermoplastic polymer may be any of the thermoplastic polymers listed above in respect to the first thermoplastic polymer. The second thermoplastic polymer may be different from the first thermoplastic polymer. In the latter case, the choices of the first and second thermoplastic polymer should be such that they are sufficiently compatible with one another such that the capstock layer will bond to the face of the core layer, and in one embodiment, is able to so bond when the layers are processed by feedblock coextrusion. In a particular embodiment, the second thermoplastic polymer is the same as the first thermoplastic polymer.

Typically, the core layer will have a thickness of about 2 to 13 mm, more particularly, a thickness of from about 3 to about 10 mm, and even more preferably about 3 to about 8 mm. The capstock layer(s) may have a thickness of from about 10 to about 400 microns, and more particularly, from about 50 to about 300 microns, and even more particularly, from about 100 to about 275 microns.

The particles may be immiscible in the second thermoplastic polymer and will typically be present in the amount of about 4 to about 30 wt. %, or for instance 10 to 30 wt. %, preferably about 18 to about 28 wt. %, and even more preferably 22 to 26 wt. %. The particles may typically have particle size diameters in the range of about 1 micron to about 60 microns, and preferably be from about 20 to about 80 microns, more preferably about 30 to about 50 microns, and even more preferably be from about 35 to about 45 microns, for instance about 40 microns. In some embodiments at least about half of the particles will be greater than about 30 microns and at least about half of the particles will be less than about 50 microns in diameter. In other embodiments, at least about two thirds of the particles will be greater than about 25 microns in diameter. The particles may comprise a polymer or a pigment. Useful examples of such polymers include crosslinked polymethylmethacrylate, crosslinked polymethylmethacrylate modified with an acrylate or methacrylate monomer, crosslinked copolymers of methylmethacrylate and styrene, silicone resins and polyallyl methacrylates. Useful non-limiting examples of such pigments include barium sulfate, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide and calcium carbonate.

The second thermoplastic polymer and the particles will typically have refractive indices in the range of about 1.40 to about 1.65, preferably 1.49 to 1.55. The difference in the refractive index values of the particles and the second thermoplastic polymer will typically be in the range of about 0.001 to about 0.050, preferably 0.005 to 0.040, and even more preferably about 0.015 to about 0.035.

The plastic sheet according to the present invention may demonstrate particular Half Angles as measured in degrees and particular Diffusion Factors. The Half Angle is a measure of the angle at which the light intensity is halved. It therefore provides a measurement of how the light is diffusing in the sheet. The Diffusion Factor is obtained by measuring light intensity at three different angles, namely 5°, 20° and 70°. The values are then related by the following formula: light intensity at 70°+light intensity at 20°×100=Diffusion Factor 2×(light intensity at 520 ) In particular embodiments, the Half Angle is from about 5° to about 10°, preferably from about 7° to about 9°. Additionally the Diffusion Factor may range from about 2 to about 10, preferably about 3 to about 9, and more preferably from about 4 to about 7 (Diffusion Factor determined by ASTM E167).

The plastic sheet according to the present invention may demonstrate particular transmission and haze characteristics. In some embodiments, sheets tested in accordance with the ASTM D 1003 “Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics” using a GretagMacBeth Color Eye-7000A spectrophotometer using Illuminant C and a 2° observer normally demonstrate Transmission of light of at least about 92%, preferably at least about 92.3%, and more preferably, at least about 92.5%. In some embodiments, sheets measured in accordance with ASTM D 523 “Test Method for Specular Gloss” using BYK-Gardner micro-TRI-gloss (20°, 60° and 85°) with a black felt backing may demonstrate gloss at 2020 of about 0.5 to 1.0, preferably about 0.6, 0.7 or 0.8. The sheets may demonstrate gloss at 60° of about 5 to about 7, preferably, about 5.2 to about 6.6. The sheets may also demonstrate gloss at 85° of about 1 to about 6, preferably about 2 to about 5.

The following nonlimiting examples are illustrative of the invention. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts and percentages are on a weight basis.

EXAMPLES Example 1

In this example, a plastic sheet product containing one capstock layer bonded to the core layer was prepared. The first thermoplastic polymer used for the core layer and the second thermoplastic polymer used for the capstock layer were the same: a copolymer of about 94 wt. % methyl methacrylate and about 6 wt. % methyl acrylate having a melt index of 2.1, a weight average molecular weight of 150,000 and a refractive index of 1.490. The amount of the first thermoplastic composition for the core layer in relation to the second thermoplastic polymer for the capstock layer was such that, after feedblock coextrusion of the two layers, the core layer had a thickness of 5.75 mm and the capstock layer had a thickness of 250 microns. Particles comprising beads of a crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate with a refractive index of 1.52 and average particle diameters of about 40 microns were combined with the second thermoplastic polymer in an amount of 25 wt. % of the beads.

The equipment used to coextrude streams of the core layer composition and the capstock layer composition was a conventional extruder equipped with means to melt and pump the two streams. A conventional combining feedblock combined the streams in molten form as they exited the extruders and thereafter the streams were fed into a conventional single-manifold sheet die and then exited onto conventional multi-roll polishing units cooling racks and pull rolls. In this example, only one capstock layer was bonded to one face of the core layer and therefore, the flow channel on one side of the feedblock was closed off so that the capstock layer could flow to only one side of the core layer.

The equipment was heated to provide a melt temperature of 255° C. and the extrusion process is started. Once the flow is established through the die. the sheet line is strung up in the typical manner with speeds gradually increased to the desired production rate which typically is in the range of 200 to 5,000 pounds per hour.

Example 2

Example 1 was repeated so as to prepare a plastic sheet product with capstock layers on both faces of the core layer and a total thickness of about 6 mm. Accordingly, the composition of the core layer and the capstock layer were the same as those of Example 1, and the general manufacturing procedure was also the same, with the exception that the flow channels on both sides of the feed block were opened so that the capstock layer composition could flow to both faces of the core layer. The amount of the first thermoplastic composition for the core layer in relation to the second thermoplastic polymers for each capstock layer was such that, after feedblock coextrusion of the three layers was complete, the core layer had a thickness of 5.5 mm and each capstock layer had a thickness of 250 microns.

Example 3

In this example, as in Example 1, plastic sheet products containing one capstock layer bonded to the core layer were prepared. The first thermoplastic polymer used for the core layer and the second thermoplastic polymer used for the capstock layer were the same: a copolymer of about 94 wt. % methyl methacrylate and about 6 wt. % methyl acrylate having a melt index of 2.1, a weight average molecular weight of 150,000 and a refractive index of 1.490. The amount of the first thermoplastic composition for the core layer in relation to the second thermoplastic polymer for the capstock layer was such that, after feedblock coextrusion of the two layers, the core layer had a thickness of of between about 2 and about 9 mm as reflected in Table 1, and the capstock layer had a thickness of between about 125 and 195 microns as reflected in Table 1. Particles comprising beads of a crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate with a refractive index of about 1.52 and average particle diameters of about 40 microns may be combined with the second thermoplastic polymer in an amount of about 25 wt. % of the beads.

The equipment used to coextrude streams of the core layer composition and the capstock layer composition was a conventional extruder equipped with means to melt and pump the two streams. A conventional combining feedblock combined the streams in molten form as they exited the extruders and thereafter the streams were fed into a conventional single-manifold sheet die and then exited onto conventional multi-roll polishing units cooling racks and pull rolls. In this example, only one capstock layer was bonded to one face of the core layer and therefore, the flow channel on one side of the feedblock was closed off so that the capstock layer could flow to only one side of the core layer.

The equipment was heated to provide a melt temperature of 255° C. and the extrusion process is started. Once the flow is established through the die. the sheet line is strung up in the typical manner with speeds gradually increased to the desired production rate which typically is in the range of 200 to 5,000 pounds per hour. TABLE 1 Thickness 3 3 6 6 6 6 6 9 9 9 9 (mm) 0917- 0917- 0917- 0917- 0917- 0917- 0917- 0917- 0917- 5169- 5169- Color 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 Skid 1298 1299 1307 1308 1309 1310 1311 1316 1324 1325 1326 Cap thickness 175 175 314 255 295 286 263 376 341 370 390 (microns) across sheet 190 166 260 287 320 290 261 355 325 354 435 195 172 270 240 339 287 289 312 308 317 422 185 159 235 231 315 237 251 323 269 286 390 171 165 224 220 282 216 230 260 263 280 371 155 137 210 214 299 205 213 263 245 238 323 145 138 218 208 250 218 219 231 266 239 293 139 148 242 205 245 232 220 268 231 234 288 140 130 211 195 207 212 206 249 240 251 291 125 132 201 198 198 179 208 240 255 224 262 145 123 233 196 200 192 204 233 228 205 265 125 112 201 168 170 177 195 255 234 215 238 122 135 212 184 158 181 201 240 223 243 233 140 144 199 205 177 190 215 246 264 247 231 131 127 224 215 193 210 236 267 265 253 222 130 130 242 220 184 212 230 293 269 272 240 135 124 235 245 205 225 241 281 307 293 235 131 127 268 263 212 223 247 305 317 293 256 129 122 280 282 190 237 278 336 338 317 232 133 121 285 292 220 265 274 348 349 375 239 147 157 310 299 250 301 311 395 390 375 276 146 158 336 297 248 314 306 390 402 428 325 149 160 333 302 256 298 331 429 386 407 345 145 146 298 291 301 290 312 416 408 373 335 Average 147.0 142.0 251.7 238.0 238.1 236.5 247.5 304.6 296.8 295.4 297.4 (microns) St. Dev 20.67 17.79 42.02 40.95 51.87 42.60 39.30 61.00 57.63 64.03 64.35 Maximum 195 175 336 302 339 314 331 429 408 428 435 Minimum 122 112 199 168 158 177 195 231 223 205 222 Range 73 63 137 134 181 137 136 198 185 223 213 Total thickness 2.85 2.85 5.85 5.85 5.85 5.85 5.85 8.85 8.85 8.85 (mm) Cap (mm) 0.147 0.142 0.252 0.238 0.238 0.237 0.248 0.305 0.297 0.295

Example 4

In this example, a comparison was made as to gloss, haze and transmission as between a sheet product having a cap layer with a bead loading of 12% and that of a product having a bead loading of 25%. Accordingly, Example 1 was repeated so as to prepare a plastic sheet product with a capstock on only one side, but with the capstock containing only 12% of the crosslinked PMMA bead particles. The composition and size of the beads was the same as in Example 1. This example produced a sheet product with higher gloss values (6.6% versus 0.7% at 20°), lower haze (43% versus 86.5%), but similar light transmission values (91.7% versus 92.5%) to the product in Example 1. The product in this example visually had a less consistent surface appearance than the material in Example 1.

Example 5

In this experiment abrasion resistance was compared between standard polished acrylic sheets and standard texture acrylic sheet and acrylic sheet with a textured capstock layer. Acrylic sheets with a textured cap layer provide better abrasion resistance than acrylic sheets, polished and textured, which are produced from standard manufacturing processes. Samples of standard polished acrylic sheet, standard texture acrylic sheet and acrylic sheet with a textured cap layer with various loadings of beads approximately 40 microns in diameter were tested in accordance with DIN 52 348 “Resistance to Falling Sand”. The test measures the change in haze and gloss at 60° after the samples have been subjected to 3000 g of falling sand in diameters 0.5-0.7 mm. A lower change in haze and gloss value indicates better abrasion resistance properties. Table 2 summarizes the abrasion resistance. The results show that acrylic sheets with a textured cap layer having 12% and 25% weight percent particles produce a lower change in haze and gloss. These results indicate that acrylic sheets with a textured cap layer provide better abrasion resistance than polished and textured acrylic sheets manufactured through standard processes. TABLE 2 Change in Haze Change in Gloss Sheet Material (%) (60°) Standard polished acrylic sheet 30.9 89.9 (ACRYLITE ® FF) Standard textured acrylic sheet 27.1 64.1 (ACRYLITE ® FF P-99) Textured cap layer acrylic sheet 8.72 8.0 with 12% bead loading (ACRYLITE ® FF Crystal Ice) Textured cap layer acrylic sheet 0.75 0.7 with 25% bead loading (ACRYLITE ® FF Crystal Ice)

Example 6

In this experiment abrasion resistance was determined in relation to weight percent of beads in capstock layer. The abrasion resistance properties of an acrylic sheet with a textured capstock layer varies with the weight percent of beads present in the capstock layer. Acrylic sheets with a textured capstock layer having various weight percentages of beads measuring approximately 5 microns in diameter were tested in accordance with DIN 52 348 “Resistance to Falling Sand”. The samples were measured for a change in 60° gloss after being subjected to 3000 kg of sand. Table 3 summarizes the change in gloss with various bead loadings. The results demonstrate that as the weight percentage of beads is increased to 10%, the abrasion resistance of the sheet improves dramatically. However, the results also show that the abrasion resistance properties of the material do not continually improve when the bead loading exceeds 10%. TABLE 3 Bead Loading Change in 60° Gloss  5% 24.5 10% 6.5 15% 4.8 20% 4.7

Example 7

In this experiment, abrasion resistance was determined in relation to capstock layer thickness. The thickness of the capstock layer also affects the abrasion resistant properties of the sheet. Samples with various capstock layer thicknesses of 40 micron diameter beads were measured for abrasion resistance in accordance with CYRO's steel wool rotary test. The test consisted of rotating “0000” fine steel wool on a sample under a weight of 37 lbs for 100 revolutions. Samples were measured for haze before and after steel wool abrasion. The results are reported as a change in haze. A higher change in haze value indicates lower abrasion resistance. Table 4 summarizes the abrasion resistance of the ACRYLITE FF Crystal Ice acrylic sheet. The results show that as the thickness of the cap layer increases, the change in haze decreases. These results indicate that the abrasion resistance of the sheet improves as the thickness of the cap layer increases. TABLE 4 Cap Layer Thickness (microns) Change in Haze (%) 100 19.96 186 8.22 235 6.72 509 1.41

Example 8

In this experiment optical properties were compared. Samples were tested in accordance with the ASTM D 1003 “Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics” using GretagMacBeth Color Eye-7000A spectrophotometer using Illuminant C and a 2° observer. Samples were also measured in accordance with ASTM D 523 “Test Method for Specular Gloss” using BYK-Gardner micro-TRI-gloss (20°, 60° and 85°) with a black felt backing. Table 5 summarizes the optical properties. The results demonstrate that acrylic sheets with a textured capstock layer produce lower gloss values than acrylic sheets, polished and testured, produced by standard manufacturing processes. The results also demonstrate that acrylic sheets with a textured cap layer having 25% weight percent beads produce more consistent gloss readings within a large range of thicknesses than textured acrylic sheet manufactured from standard processes. Capstock layers having approximately 40 micron diameter beads produce lower gloss values than capstock layers having approximately 5 micron diameter beads. TABLE 5 Thickness Transmission Haze Gloss Sheet Material (mm) (%) (%) 20° 60° 85° Standard polished acrylic sheet 3 92.3 0.18 152 147 117 Standard textured acrylic sheet 3 92.0 1.58 79.1 115 92.2 Standard textured acrylic sheet 6 91.7 2.18 73.8 107 94.9 12% 40 micron beads in cap layer 3 91.7 43.0 6.6 24.0 14.2 25% 40 micron beads in cap layer 3 92.5 86.5 0.7 6.6 1.6 25% 40 micron beads in cap layer 4.5 92.5 90.5 0.6 5.2 2.0 25% 40 micron beads in cap layer 6 92.8 90.6 0.8 5.7 2.7 25% 40 micron beads in cap layer 9 92.3 89.8 0.8 6.3 5.1  5% 5 micron beads in cap layer 6 89.2 90.3 12.6 49.5 76.0 10% 5 micron beads in cap layer 6 87.5 95.5 2.1 16.6 33.5 15% 5 micron beads in cap layer 6 83.8 97.0 2.1 15.3 36.1 20% 5 micron beads in cap layer 6 81.5 97.5 1.6 13.1 32.0

Example 9

Haze and Gloss were calculated for various capstock layers made according to Example 2 and described in Table 6. The capstock layers contained 5 micron diameter beads having a refractive index of 1.54. A BYK-Gardner TCS-35 Spectrophotometer was used for light transmission and to measure Haze. A BYK-Gardner Micro-Tri-Gloss Gloss Meter was used for Gloss measurements. The results are set forth in Table 6. TABLE 6 5 micron, 1.54 rf beads Sample ID Light Light (beads in Transmission Transmission % Y Haze % Y Haze weight %) (texture in) % (texture out) % (texture in) (texture out) 20° Gloss 60° Gloss 85° Gloss Crystal Ice 87.52 88.85 78.02 79.06 1.1 10.9 5.0 20% beads 81.74 81.54 97.35 97.46 3.1 20.1 31.4 15% beads 84.15 83.82 96.88 96.96 3.3 24.7 37.3 10% beads 87.13 87.49 95.31 95.48 2.9 21.8 30.3  5% beads 89.27 89.20 89.93 90.33 9.0 41.6 64.7 These data demonstrate that the weight percent of beads in the capstock layer affects gloss values rather dramatically with relatively less effects on haze.

Example 10

For lighting fixtures, light diffusers and projection screens, Diffusion Factor and Half Angle measurements are important. In this experiment, Diffusion Factor and Half Angle measurements were calculated for various sheets made according to Example 2 and described in Table 1. The total sheet thickness ranged from about 3 mm to about 6 mm, and the capstock layer thickness ranged from about 102 to about 330 microns as set forth in Table 7. The capstock layers contained either 5 or 40 micron diameter beads having a refractive index of 1.54 or 1.52 respectively. Diffusion Factor and Half angle measurements were performed with a device made at Cyro Industries. Commercial equipment is available, but the Cyro device is a simplified version built in house. The Cyro device consists of a variable power light source (Dolan-Jenner, Fiber-Lite PL900 Illuminator), fiber optic light guide, light meter ( Minolta LS100 Luminance Meter ) and optical element bars, mounting hardware and protractor rotating base to mount the various parts on. The equipment is arranged such that the angle of the light source can easily be adjusted, and the sample with respect to the light meter may be adjusted to measure light intensities at the surface of the sample to be measured at various angles. The results are set forth in Table 7.

The Half Angle is a measure of the angle at which the light intensity is halved. It therefore provides a measurement of how the light is diffusing in the sheet. The Diffusion Factor is obtained by measuring light intensity at three different angles, namely 5°, 20° and 70°. The values are then related by the following formula: ${\frac{{{light}\quad{intensity}\quad{at}\quad 70^{{^\circ}}} + {{light}\quad{intensity}\quad{at}\quad 20^{{^\circ}}}}{2 \times \left( {{light}\quad{intensity}\quad{at}\quad 5^{{^\circ}}} \right)} \times 100} = {{Diffusion}\quad{Factor}}$ TABLE 7 Diffusion Factor and Half Angle Measurements for Various Cap Layered Materials All based on acrylic Bead Bead Cap Half Size % Beads Ref Sheet Thickness Angle Diffusion Sample (micron) in Cap Index Thickness (microns) (°) Factor 1 5 5 1.54 6 mm 200 10.0 9.8 2 5 10 1.54 6 mm 330 30.0 42.7 3 5 15 1.54 6 mm 210 24.0 34.3 4 5 20 1.54 6 mm 204 43.0 54.3 5 40 25 1.52 6 mm 174 7.0 3.7 6 40 25 1.52 4.5 mm   195 9.0 6.8 7 40 25 1.52 3 mm 125 8.0 6.1 8 40 12 1.52 3 mm 102 1.8 1.2

These results demonstrate that the effect of bead size and concentration as well as cap layer thickness on light diffusion for applications such as light diffusing panels and screens.

This invention may be embodied in other forms or carried out in other ways without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present disclosure is therefore to be considered as in all respects illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended Claims, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency are intended to be embraced therein. 

1. A plastic sheet product having a matte finish comprising a core layer of a first thermoplastic polymer and at least one layer of a capstock composition overlying and bonded to at least one face of the core layer, said capstock composition comprising a second thermoplastic polymer having a refractive index and containing a plurality of discrete particles immiscible with, and dispersed in, the second thermoplastic polymer and having a refractive index, wherein the refractive index of the particles differs from the refractive index of the second thermoplastic polymer.
 2. The plastic sheet product of claim 1 wherein the first thermoplastic polymer and the second thermoplastic polymer are independently selected from the group consisting of polyethylenes, polypropylenes, ethylene-propylene copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-methyl methylmethacrylate copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate-methyl methacrylate copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, methylmethacrylate-ethylacrylate copolymers acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers, polystyrenes, styrene-methylmethacrylate copolymers, polyethyl acrylates, polymethyl methacrylates, methylmethacrylate-methylacrylate copolymers, polyethylene terephthalates, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyurethanes and silicone resins.
 3. The plastic sheet product of claim 1 wherein the first thermoplastic polymer and the second thermoplastic polymer are transparent.
 4. The plastic sheet product of claim 1 wherein the second thermoplastic polymer is the same as the first thermoplastic polymer.
 5. The plastic product of claim 3 wherein the second and the first thermoplastic polymer comprise a methyl methacrylate-methyl acrylate copolymer.
 6. The plastic sheet product of claim 5, wherein the copolymer comprises about 80 to about 98 wt. % methyl methacrylate and about 2 to about 20 wt. % methyl acrylate.
 7. The plastic sheet product of claim 6, wherein the copolymer comprises 93 to 97 wt. % methyl methacrylate and 3 to 7 wt. % methyl acrylate.
 8. The plastic sheet product of claim 1, wherein the capstock composition is bonded to only one face of the core layer.
 9. The plastic sheet product of claim 1, wherein the capstock composition is bonded to both faces of the core layer.
 10. The plastic sheet product of claim 1, wherein the first and second thermoplastic polymers have weight average molecular weights in the range of about 100,000 to about 175,000.
 11. The plastic sheet product of claim 10, wherein the first and second thermoplastic polymers have weight average molecular weights in the range of 125,000 to 150,000.
 12. The plastic sheet product of claim 1, wherein the core layer has a thickness of about 2 to about 13 mm and said at least one capstock layer has a thickness of about 10 to about 400 microns.
 13. The plastic sheet product of claim 12, wherein the core layer has a thickness of 4 to 10 mm and said at least one capstock layer has a thickness of 150 to 300 microns.
 14. The plastic sheet product of claim 1, wherein the particles have particle size diameters in the range of about 1 micron to about 60 microns.
 15. The plastic sheet product of claim 14, wherein the particles have particle size diameters in the range of 30 to 50 microns.
 16. The plastic sheet product of claim 1, wherein the particles are dispersed in the second thermoplastic polymer in an amount of about 4 to about 30 wt. %.
 17. The plastic sheet product of claim 16, wherein the particles are dispersed in the second thermoplastic polymer in an amount of 22 to 26 wt. %.
 18. The plastic sheet product of claim 1, wherein the refractive indices of the particles and the second thermoplastic polymer are in the range of about 1.40 to about 1.65.
 19. The plastic sheet product of claim 18, wherein the refractive indices of the particles and the second thermoplastic polymer are in the range of 1.49 to 1.55.
 20. The plastic sheet product of claim 1, wherein the refractive index of the particles differs from the refractive index of the second thermoplastic polymer by a value in the range of about 0.001 to about 0.030.
 21. The plastic sheet product of claim 20, wherein the refractive index of the particles differs from the refractive index of the second thermoplastic polymer by a value in the range of 0.005 to 0.020.
 22. The plastic sheet product of claim 1, wherein the particles are comprised of a polymer or a pigment.
 23. The plastic sheet product of claim 22, wherein the particles are comprised of a polymer selected from the group consisting of crosslinked polymethylmethacrylate, crosslinked polymethylmethacrylate modified with an acrylate or methacrylate monomer, crosslinked copolymers of methylmethacrylate and styrene, silicone resins and polyallyl methacrylates.
 24. The plastic sheet product of claim 22, wherein the pigment is selected from the group consisting of barium sulfate, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide and calcium carbonate.
 25. The plastic sheet product of claim 1, wherein plastic sheet is formed by feedblock coextrusion of the core layer and the capstock composition.
 26. The plastic sheet product of claim 6, wherein the copolymer comprises methyl methacrylate in an amount of about 94 to 96 wt. %.
 27. The plastic sheet product of claim 1 wherein the core layer has a thickness of about 5 to about 8 mm.
 28. The plastic sheet product of claim 13 wherein one capstock layer has a thickness of from about 200 to about 275 microns.
 29. The plastic sheet product of claim 16 wherein the particles immiscible in the second thermoplastic polymer are present in the amount of about 10 to 30 wt. %.
 30. The plastic sheet product of claim 29 wherein the particles immiscible in the second thermoplastic polymer are present in the amount of about 18 to 28 wt. %.
 31. The plastic sheet product of claim 14 wherein the particles have particle size diameters in the range of about 20 to about 80 microns.
 32. The plastic sheet product of claim 31 wherein the particles have particle size diameters in the range of about 30 to about 50 microns.
 33. The plastic sheet product of claim 1 wherein at least about half the particles have particle size diameters greater than about 30 microns and at least about half of the particles have particle size diameters less than about 50 microns in diameter.
 34. The plastic sheet product of claim 21 wherein the difference in the refractive index values of the particles and the second thermoplastic polymer is about 0.015 to about 0.035.
 35. The plastic sheet product of claim 1 having a Half Angle of from about 5° to about 10°.
 36. The plastic sheet product of claim 1 having a Half Angle of from about 7° to about 9°.
 37. The plastic sheet product of claim 1 having a Diffusion Factor may range from about 2 to about
 10. 38. The plastic sheet product of claim 1 having a Diffusion Factor may range from about 3 to about
 9. 39. The plastic sheet product of claim 1 having a Diffusion Factor may range from about 4 to about
 7. 40. The plastic sheet product of claim 1 that when tested in accordance with the ASTM D 1003 “Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics” using a GretagMacBeth Color Eye-7000A spectrophotometer using Illuminant C and a 20° observer demonstrates transmission of light of at least about 92%.
 41. The plastic sheet product of claim 1 that when tested in accordance with ASTM D 523 “Test Method for Specular Gloss” using BYK-Gardner micro-TRI-gloss (20°, 60° and 85°) with a black felt backing demonstrates gloss at 20° of about 0.5 to 1.0, demonstrates gloss at 60° of about 5 to about 7, and demonstrate gloss at 85° of about 1 to about
 6. 42. A plastic sheet product having a matte finish and improved abrasion resistance and weathering comprising a core layer of a first thermoplastic polymer and at least one layer of a capstock composition overlying and bonded to at least one face of the core layer, said capstock composition comprising a second thermoplastic polymer and containing a plurality of discrete particles immiscible with, and dispersed in, the second thermoplastic polymer, the discrete particles having a diameter between 20 and 80 microns, and being dispersed in the second thermoplastic polymer in an amount of about 1 to about 30% by weight, and said capstock composition having a thickness of from 150 to 400 microns.
 43. A plastic sheet product having a matte finish and improved abrasion resistance and weathering comprising a core layer of a first thermoplastic polymer and two layers of a capstock composition overlying and bonded to both top and bottom faces of the core layer, said capstock composition comprising a second thermoplastic polymer and containing a plurality of discrete particles immiscible with, and dispersed in, the second thermoplastic polymer, the discrete particles having a diameter between 20 and 80 microns, and being dispersed in the second thermoplastic polymer in an amount of about 1 to about 30% by weight, and said capstock composition having a thickness of from 150 to 400 microns.
 44. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the first thermoplastic polymer and the second thermoplastic polymer are independently selected from the group consisting of polyethylenes, polypropylenes, ethylene-propylene copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene methacrylate copolymers, ethylene-ethacrylate copolymers, ethylene-methylmethacrylate copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate methylmethacrylate copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers, polystyrenes, styrene methylmethacrylate copolymers, polyethylene acrylates, polymethylmethacrylates, methylmethacrylate copolymers, polyethylene terepthalates, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, and silicone resins.
 45. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the capstock composition is bonded to only one face of the core.
 46. The plastic sheet products of claim 42 wherein the first and second thermoplastic polymers comprise a methylmethacrylate copolymer.
 47. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the core layer has a thickness of 1.5 to 13 mm.
 48. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the particles are dispersed in the second thermoplastic polymer in an amount of 22 to 26% by weight.
 49. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the particles are comprised of spherical, crosslinked, polymeric beads 20-80 microns in diameter.
 50. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the first thermoplastic polymer and the second thermoplastic polymer are transparent.
 51. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the second thermoplastic polymer is the same as the first thermoplastic polymer.
 52. The plastic sheet product of claim 43 wherein the first and the second thermoplastic polymer comprise a copolymer of methyl methacrylate and methyl acrylate.
 53. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the copolymer comprises about 80 to about 98 wt. % methyl methacrylate and from about 2 to about 20 wt. % methyl acrylate.
 54. The plastic sheet product of claim 53 wherein the copolymer comprises 93% to 97% by weight methyl methacrylate and 3% to 7% by weight methyl acrylate.
 55. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the first and second thermoplastic polymers have weight average molecular weights in the range of 125,000 to 150,000.
 56. The plastic sheet product of claim 43 wherein the core layer has a thickness of about 2 to about 13 mm.
 57. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the core layer has a thickness of about 4 to 10 mm.
 58. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the particles have particle size diameters in the range of 30 to 50 microns.
 59. The plastic sheet product of claim 43 wherein the particles are dispersed in the second thermoplastic polymer in an amount of about 22 to about 26% by weight.
 60. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the refractive indices of the particles and the second thermoplastic polymer are in the range of about 1:40 to about 1:65.
 61. The plastic sheet product of claim 60 wherein the refractive indices of the particles and the second thermoplastic polymer are in the range of about 1.49 to about 1.55.
 62. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the refractive index of the particles differs from the refractive index of the second thermoplastic polymer by a value in the range of about 0.001 to about 0.030.
 63. The plastic sheet product of claim 62 wherein the refractive index of the particles differs from the refractive index of the second thermoplastic polymer by a value in the range of 0.005 to 0.020.
 64. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the particles are selected from the group consisting of a polymer, and a pigment.
 65. The plastic sheet product of claim 64 wherein the particles are comprised of a polymer selected from the group consisting of crosslinked polymethylmethyacrylate, crosslinked polymethylmethacrylate modified with an acrylate or methacrylate monomer, crosslinked copolymers of methylmethacrylate and styrene, silicone resins, and polyallyl methacrylates.
 66. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the plastic sheet is formed by feedblock coextrusion of the core layer and the capstock composition.
 67. The plastic sheet product of claim 64 wherein the pigment is selected from the group consisting of barium sulfate, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide and calcium carbonate.
 68. The plastic sheet product of claim 53, wherein the copolymer comprises methyl methacrylate in an amount of about 94 to 96 wt. %.
 69. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the core layer has a thickness of about 5 to about 8 mm.
 70. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein one capstock layer has a thickness of from about 200 to about 275 microns.
 71. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein the particles immiscible in the second thermoplastic polymer are present in the amount of about 10 to 30 wt. %.
 72. The plastic sheet product of claim 71 wherein the particles immiscible in the second thermoplastic polymer are present in the amount of about 18 to 28 wt. %.
 73. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 wherein at least about half the particles have particle size diameters greater than about 30 microns and at least about half of the particles have particle size diameters less than about 50 microns in diameter.
 74. The plastic sheet product of claim 62 wherein the difference in the refractive index values of the particles and the second thermoplastic polymer is about 0.015 to about 0.035.
 75. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 having a Half Angle of from about 5° to about 10°.
 76. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 having a Half Angle of from about 7° to about 9°.
 77. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 having a Diffusion Factor ranging from about 2 to about
 10. 78. The plastic sheet product of claim 77 having a Diffusion Factor ranging from about 3 to about
 9. 79. The plastic sheet product of claim 78 having a Diffusion Factor ranging from about 4 to about
 7. 80. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 that when tested in accordance with the ASTM D 1003 “Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics” using a GretagMacBeth Color Eye-7000A spectrophotometer using Illuminant C and a 2° observer demonstrates transmission of light of at least about 92%.
 81. The plastic sheet product of claim 42 that when tested in accordance with ASTM D 523 “Test Method for Specular Gloss” using BYK-Gardner micro-TRI-gloss (20°, 60° and 85°) with a black felt backing demonstrates gloss at 20° of about 0.5 to 1.0, demonstrates gloss at 60° of about 5 to about 7, and demonstrate gloss at 85° of about 1 to about
 6. 